12 Chapter XII

Though it was a short afternoon spending with his siblings, Archie left the castle feeling renewed and invigorated with a sense of bliss he hadn't felt in a while. He had to leave to return to training, though he promised them that he'd be back for dinner, even if it was a short one. They were very animated and pleasantly passionate about the paths they've chosen in life—especially Anastasia, even as she spoke about the hardships of not being able to see longer. He returned to the barracks with a skip in his step and a smile on his face. Making his way through corridors to grab his sword from his own chambers, he found a recent letter sitting on his desk and his eagle sitting on the handmade limb jutting outside the window. Rolant must've heard the birds' cries as it swooped into his friend's chambers and fed it because now the eagle was asleep on said limb.

He looked down at the package; something wrapped in a brown paper, a string to hold it together with whatever was inside. Though his curiosity piqued, he grabbed his sword, switched into a light chain-link armor to hide beneath his clothes, and headed back outside to the pit. His opponent today was the same recruit who bested him in combat two days ago.

"Alright let's see if you've improved," Archie spoke to the recruit, getting into his own stance.

Their steel clanged together out for two hours until the recruit got tired, Archie still had a lot of energy left in him. He gave his opponent the signal to return to his chambers and get some much-needed rest. He wiped the dirt from his face, though it didn't do much, but give him more dirt marks to spot. Archie started sparring with the dummy, landing blows and slices to it as the humidity snuck upon him. Another hour has gone by until he returned to his own chambers to change into something less dirty. He cleaned himself up under a cool shower in the water tower next to the barracks. He just had to pump it out by pressing down on the lever. Archie returned to his room with only his lower attire on; across his torso were scars littering about from the front and back of his upper body. He remembered the package still sitting on his desk; he pulled the chair out and took a seat, putting on a white tunic, the collar in a V-shape and strings attached to tie it together, it was left open to reveal a smooth, yet scarred chest.

He opened the package, revealing another letter from his betrothed and… "A shirt?" He questioned.

He unfolded it, his eyes widening at the rich, intricate details sewn into the blue silk. His calloused fingers went over the silver on the cuffs and collar. It felt rich and soft, something unlike him. With care, he replaced his white tunic with the shirt that felt like air on him, barely noticing the fabric that laid against his skin. In the body-length mirror, he looked himself over. It would best to wear this to the summit as he had no finer clothing existing in his wardrobe. What surprised him most was, how the heck did she get his measurements right?

Archie changed back into his tunic and placed the shirt on a hanger in his wardrobe, closing the oak doors to return to the letter to write a response of his own. He had a few more hours to burn before the dinner;

To the Mysterious Elven Seamstress,

Do you know it might be scandalous if it were to come to fruit that a seamstress and a Prince—an heir to the Human Nations, no less—would cause an uproar? Katyr might just be right, that's why your growth is stunted, is it not? I jest, my mysterious Elven Maiden. I will shield you from the gossipers and onlookers when it comes to light that I am in a locked marriage to said seamstress.

Ah, yes. I am glad our morals align. Though it's not rather noble, just an action to be taken at the moment. I must tell you though, I was on my deathbed more than a dozen times; it is a wonder that I'm still alive and breathing. Though with Rolant's insistence of dragging me to the tavern, I might be on my deathbed once again with a failing liver, no?

I do not know. Perhaps I might join your brother in teasing you? We shall see at the summit when we exchange pleasantries. I will tell him you think of him as a wondrous sibling. On the subject of siblings, I have met up with my twin today, Anastasia. To be serious at the moment, I was rather shocked to hear of her returning home—it has been quite a while since I saw her in person, about seven harvest seasons or more. I had to leave home at age seventeen to fight in the civil war, so it was a sobering moment to be reunited with siblings that I thought I would never see again. Though it saddens me…she can no longer see. Anastasia has lost her sight though I know not when, it's a touchy subject for her, I could tell the moment I saw her wearing a silver mask that covers only half of her face. Although that was a shocking fact, Anastasia is still the same sister I remember and quite humorous than I last exchanged pleasantries with her in person.

Yes, the titles are bothersome in my case. Many like to flaunt them, though I tell them not to and just call me by my first name—they oblige. It would surprise you at the many…um, what are those- pet names! The maidens in my Kingdom call me all sorts, though I do not know why?

If you have the heart and spirit of a warrior princess, then why not? I can give you pointers, we can do so in secrecy. Just imagine my arms around your arms to guide you in holding a sword right or to get your posture correct. You'd be surprised at how many recruits don't know the proper stance when fighting or wielding a sword. Oh, ho-ho-ho! I told you I never jest, it must be your eyes, did you get them checked?

I am hoping to find you imagining me as your beloved husband in the forest, perhaps. Do you guys jump from tree to tree? On the southern border, I once glimpsed those Woodland Elves moving with deft precision on the tree's limbs.

Ah, he is a womanizer, that heart breaker! Tell me, are his dashing excellent looks better than mine? Women flock more to him because of the "mysterious brooding" type he seems to give off. Though it might be those bright green eyes of his that reeled you in, no? I will have to make your heart not wander from mine. It seems I haven't done a splendid job of that.

You might be closer to my brother, Landon, in that sense. Though Lorcan has fears of us older ones abandoning him. In this sense, having more brothers to have around and tease you and Aiduin might appeal, no?

Wow! A true Princess! I have received your shirt; it surprised me to find such a fine tailored shirt. It was all by hand? Though it is rather suspicious of how you were accurate in my measurements. I will be sure to bat my eyes at you from across the room in an attempt to make your heart swoon at the summit! Nonsense, if you wish for me to dress more like a Prince and less like a soldier, I will do so just to appease you.

I understand your parents' fierce protection. My parents were like that until I returned from the war. It quite surprised my father when I could hold my liquor after three tankards. Though this makes me want to whisk you away from that Kingdom of yours and have you try the ale here. Your first cup will be delicious, I promise.

Yes, I've no opposition to that statement. Would you care to educate me on that dancing lesson again? There's a ballroom here we haven't used in quite a while. Do you have ballrooms at your palace?

I cannot promise Rolant won't take me away longer just to tease you. Though I plan on staying away from the taverns for the time being. I don't wish to look like a straggler waltzing into the summit and disrespecting your father or mine—I'd be out of a Kingdom if I did so. And yes and no, I enjoy training it keeps me on my toes and in shape.

Yes, actually. My mother had a salon installed in the Castle here. You can get a view of the ocean and the sun spills through the gigantic glass windows. I'd also like to see if you're like my mother, who chides me for not holding a teacup right. She did it this afternoon when I was enjoying tea with my dear siblings.

A dove, just like you—pretty! I've named my eagle,'Egg,' because he looks like one. Though I don't think he likes the name because he always gives me a disapproving look. Honey is such a wonderful name.

Ah, I knew it! Your pride has stunted your growth. That's okay, I can hoist you up in the air and get the pride flowing out of your strong head. You're very young, I must admit, though I do not care about age. I'm 5'11"—if that helps with your imagination (wink). I will teach you all my wise ways, though lessons will only be held in private attendance if you get my gist. Even in the gardens, we can hold the lessons there.

Oh? I was not aware of. Is it as intimate as a lover's kiss? If so, I do not wish to take away your innocence yet. I jest, of course. I am an expert in the lover's kiss. If you wish to learn the correct way, let me know. I will be happy to oblige in that area.

A seamstress shan't be exchanging letters with a Prince. What if your tabloid news people catch wind of this? So scandalous!

From Your Prince,

Beloved in Secret,

Prince Archie Lennox

P.S. I must bring up the fact that there was a scent of lavender and berries in the shirt. Is that what you smell like? If so, your scent is rather lovely.

Strolac gazed at the rebuilt wall and solid structure of the lodge that stood near it. It had been a troublesome task, but they had done it. Now that the wall and the lodge were finished the summit could be held and peace could be fostered between the two species. He had sent the men home as soon as the construction was finished, they would be able to spread the good news and drink until they passed out. By the time they woke he hope the treaty would be signed.

He had already sent word to King Blaric, not only could he tell the King he was done he was also able to tell his beloved that they could soon wed. Of course not until a while after Elora's own wedding out of respect. He hummed and walked down the streets of Uenora pleased with himself. He had accomplished his task, his late mother would be proud of him. And his father, though slightly displeased with the treaty, would be as well.

~

Kolvar read over the letter from lord Delafontaine over once more, the man's unhappiness was clear. Though the letter is was justifiably so. Kolvar had no response to give to the letter. Not one that could appease the man's anger, many people in his country including almost all of the lords had lost their loved ones to the hands of humans. Kolvar sighed and laid the letter on his desk picking up King Alistair's letter and reading it over. He smiled at the man's kind words and was grateful for the sudden relief it gave him. He was sure they would bond over more besides their children. Sighing he decided to respond to King Delafontaine first, the most difficult of tasks always needed to be handled at the forefront.

To The Kingdom of Delafontaine,

Though I agree that my ancestors would be most displeased with this agreement, they would prefer it to the constant death and despair our people have endured. I can say that I am also tired of this devastation war causes. That being said, please do not refer to our magic as unholy. We have been gifted these gifts from the goddess herself, and nature graces us with added strengths. It is a great insult to my people, though I will let this pass because you were not aware.

I give my sympathies to your late father, even if it falls on deaf ears. I apologize for the tragedies that my people have caused you. I have no opposition to you speaking, the lords of my nations may say their peace as well. I understand your displeasure and will also keep this curt. And look forward to your presence at the summit.

In best regards,

King Blaric of Lynlore

Kolvar sighed placing his quill down and rubbing his eyes, that was by far the most excruciating letter he ever wrote in this lifetime. He would let the man's comment of his people's magic pass as ignorance but it was more than obvious that this man would hold no favor towards them. Placing his hands on his desk he folded the letter placing his seal over it before sitting it to the side. Picking up another paper he dipped his quill in ink and begun writing to his new friend.

To my newest comrade,

I suffice to say that I have had the pleasure of Lord Delafontaine's letter. Though it wasn't my most pleasant task, I have responded to him, will very little ill will. I give my condolences to your daughter as well and do not worry. We will not mention her lack of sight, in our lands losing one sense makes a person stronger in other ways. Many strong warriors we have suffered from this as well.

Thankfully Strolvac has advised me that the construction is finished, we may hold the summit once Grykil has finished his tasks. The cleansing takes no more than a few hours. I was thinking that tomorrow we can hold the summit. If you agree I will send out word immediately.

Though we do not participate in gladiator competitions, we do share the sport of horse racing. We also fare well in hunting matches and more cautious festivities like festivals.

This letter will prove shorter than the rest. Writing your lord has drained my energy quite a bit, and I hope to retire for the day and speak with my eldest son. He has been gone from home for quite some time and I hope to educate him on fatherhood before the babe s born.

To the great peace,

King Blaric

~

Sarya took the maid's tender hand helping her out of the carriage and through the front doors of the Blaric castle. Her belly was swollen from the child she carried, and she had taken the long trip despite her husband's objections. She missed her husband, and she had been feeling a tightening in her stomach since this morning. She feared the baby would come and her husband would be absent. Her dark hair matched her father's, Lord Grykail, and was braided neatly laying over her shoulder. Her walk was more of a waddle and she took deep breaths to calm herself.

It wasn't long until she had finally stumbled upon a family member. Zestarri looked at her daughter in law and smiled big rushing over to her. "Oh, my beloved Sarya. Why have you come, it's not safe for you to travel alone, least traveling while you're so full with child."

Sarya smiled and gave a small chuckle wincing at the tightening in her stomach. "Of course mother, but I fear the child will come soon. And I would rather be surrounded by happiness and Katyr's loving gaze. Then be home alone."

Zestarri sighed and took Sarya's arm leading her into the study, "At the moment Katyr is speaking with Kolvar about the struggles of fatherhood. I suppose it is a good time for them to bond. For now, I only hope you don't mind my company to pass the time."

"Of course not mother I-" Sarya jolted as a pain shot up her muscles and she stifled a cry. Zestarri's eyes widened and she looked at Sarya. "My dear I fear they may not be much time left before the child wishes to welcome itself. Quickly Maids send for Prince Katyr immediately as well as the Midwife! And move with haste!" Zestarri took Sarya's hand and held it tightly. "Do not fear daughter. All will be well, I have sent for help do not worry and just breathe."